The turquoise cotinga or Ridgway's cotinga is a Vulnerable species of bird in the family Cotingidae. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs on the Pacific slope from southwestern Costa Rica into western Panama (notably Chiriquí). It inhabits the canopy and edges of humid lowland and foothill forests, often visiting isolated fruiting trees in semi-open landscapes. The species persists in forest fragments and second growth but prefers larger tracts of mature rainforest. It frequently concentrates at fruiting figs, where multiple individuals may gather. Human disturbance and deforestation reduce suitable habitat and connectivity.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The turquoise cotinga, also called Ridgway's cotinga, is a canopy-dwelling frugivore whose glittering turquoise male and cryptic female can be surprisingly hard to spot. It relies heavily on fruiting trees, especially figs, and plays an important role in seed dispersal. Habitat loss on the Pacific slope of Costa Rica and western Panama has led to population declines, and it is assessed as Vulnerable. It is most often seen quietly perched atop tall fruiting trees.
Temperament
solitary and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, canopy-level flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but small loose groups form at heavily fruiting trees. Displays and courtship occur from prominent perches high in the canopy. Nests are small, shallow open cups placed high on horizontal branches, with minimal material. Parental care is largely by the female, as in many cotingas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet; gives thin, high-pitched whistles and soft, descending notes. Vocalizations are most frequent at dawn and around fruiting trees, often interspersed with long periods of silence.
Plumage
Male is shimmering turquoise-blue with a velvety purple throat and belly patch; wings and tail slightly darker. Female is brownish-gray above with fine scaling or mottling below, providing excellent camouflage in the canopy.
Diet
Primarily eats small to medium-sized fruits, especially figs (Ficus) and other lipid-rich berries and drupes. Fruits are swallowed whole and seeds dispersed via regurgitation or defecation, making the species an effective seed disperser. Occasionally supplements diet with small insects taken incidentally with fruit or during brief sallies. Foraging is mostly sit-and-wait from exposed canopy perches.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of mature and secondary rainforest, at forest edges, and in clearings with tall fruiting trees. Also visits isolated fruiting trees in pastures or along rivers, where visibility is greater.
